“It’s almost identical to what happened last season; the same number of wins, the same number of defeats, goals for, goals against. It’s incredible, really.

“With everything that has gone, with what Rafa has been saying, with what he wanted, didn’t get, got, then their objective before the season was to stay in the Premier League, and they’ve done that.

“We’d like to think and dream (as NUFC fans) of bigger and better things, but that’s what Newcastle is at this moment in time, and that’s what we have to accept. So, all in all, it’s been decent.”

Benitez brings hope of the ‘bigger and better things’ Shearer dreams about, but the powers that be appear to be so reluctant to give him the backing he needs to bring success back to St James’ Park.

Does a world class manager who’s used to battling for titles and trophies really want a relegation scrap each season? No. He can see the potential, but he can also see the fact our last two Premier League campaigns have been virtually identical – and not in a good way.

Surviving in the Premier League was an achievement following promotion – but it’s not something Newcastle United should aspire too with a world class manager at the helm.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at NUFCblogsubmissions@gmail.com & we’ll get back to you!)